Kick off for new cultural plan set for this month

The city is developing a cultural plan and very soon you'll have a chance to have your say. A community open house is planned later this month. It's being organized by Leah Bayly the supervisor of cultural services. She says the plan will be all encompassing and a final report will be presented to city council in January or February. The open house takes place March 29th at the Community Auditorium from 6:30-9 pm.

Dorion solar project gets approval

A hydro developer in Dorion is one of over 500 successful applicants in the province that have been given approval to go ahead with green energy projects . Northern Development minister Michael Gravelle says Neil Johanson, of Cyntech Corporation, will be allowed to build a solar facility to generate 250 kilowatts of electricity. Gravelle says the hydro produced will be sold back to the power grid.

Youth centre and outdoor pools on council agenda

One city councillor wants a new youth centre built in Thunder Bay. Joe Virdiramo says the centre could include detox and crisis beds. He's asking his fellow councillors Monday to support his idea to provide half a million dollars towards such a facility providing other funding is available. Virdiramo thinks such a facility would be money well spent because it would create a healthy environment. Also Monday, councillors will be asked to consider adding the Dease and Heath Park outdoor pools to the city's Heritage Register

Community leaders gather to talk children's mental health

There's optimism from a city child care executive following a gathering of local community leaders. Tom Walters of the Children's Centre, says Friday's round table discussion was designed to focus on the possible problems children's mental health could face if no action is taken. He says the board of directors have met with about 15 different groups over the past year giving an overview of the problems facing the sector. He says that includes a decrease in funding and an increase in wait lists. Walters says the Centre is trying to mobilize the community to speak up with a common voice on the issues.

Wind farm could reduce Shuniah taxes 8 per cent

A proposed wind farm for the Township of Shuniah could have some major tax benefits. Reeve Maria Harding says if the 40 turbines are built in the community, it could reduce taxes by about 8 per cent. However Harding can't say when the project will become a reality. She says it's been 6 years in the making and they are still waiting. The company proposing the wind farm, still needs to get provincial government approval for the project.

A renown author speaks to Ogden School students

Students at Ogden School heard from a renowned Metis Author this morning. David Bouchard spoke to students about the importance of reading as part of the schools Indigo Love of Reading Grant. Bouchard says reading is vital for future success because it gives you better communication skills and freedom to travel the world at anytime. Ogden school was given a grant of 150 thousand dollars to buy books and to host literacy programs over the last three years.

OPP pause for a minute out of respect for Vu Pham

OPP officers across the north west region paid their final respects Friday to Constable Vu Pham. He was gunned down this week in southern Ontario while on duty. Sgt. Shelley Garr says that as the funeral was taking place officers here paused on the job.   At  1:10 pm those who were working on the road pulled over to the shoulder and activated their lights as a show of support.   Meantime, the region was represented at the funeral in Wingham by Superintendent Ron van Straalen

Thunderwolves men's basketball team goes for a spot in the nationals

The Thunderwolves men's basketball team won't be taking home an OUA championship this weekend but they still have a chance to make it to the CIS championships. The Wolves visit Ottawa tomorrow to battle the Gee Gees with the winner earning a spot at the nationals. Lakehead lost in the OUA west final last week to Windsor but since the OUA gets three teams at the nationals, the T-Wolves have one more chance to advance.

Donald Street likely location for temporary south core bus terminal

Donald street is likely the new temporary location for a South Core Bus Terminal. Council will be given a recommendation to adopt a portion of Donald street for use as the south terminal effective March 30th.  The Brodie location will be permanently closed March 29th to make room for the new Consolidated court house. A permanent location will be chosen after the completion of a major study being done on the city's bus routes.

Thunderwolves host McGill for Queens Cup tomorrow night

One more day to go until the Thunderwolves faceoff against the McGill Redmen for the Queens Cup. The Wolves host the Redmen tomorrow night at the Gardens for the second time for the OUA championship. Its a rematch from the 2006 final were the Thunderwolves beat McGill 4-0. Thunderwolves Head Coach Joel Scherban says there are a lot of similarities between the two teams but says playing in front of the home crowd definitely is an advantage. Game time is 730 Saturday night at the Fort William Gardens.

Border Cats games to start earlier

The Thunder Bay Border Cats games will be starting earlier this year. The baseball club says that evening games Monday thru Saturday will now begin at 6:35 pm. The first pitch for all Sunday games will be at 5:05 pm. The Cats home opener takes place on June 2nd against the Duluth Huskies.

Outbreak over at St. Joe's

The illness outbreak at St. Joseph's Hospital is now over.   The Health Unit says it had taken place on the inpatient unit on 5 south of the Algoma Street facility.   To help prevent further outbreaks health officials urge people who have been sick or aren't feeling well to stay away until they recover.  

City man wins 50 grand in lottery

A Thunder Bay man is 50 thousand dollars richer because of his astuteness.   Knowing that lottery tickets are only valid for one year from the draw date, 57 year old Don Bernosky was prompted to check a stack of his tickets that had been piling up for almost a year. Lucky for him, a Payday ticket he bought last year was worth 50 grand.   He plans to use the money for home renovations.

Thunder Bay police to attend funeral for slain OPP officer

There will be local police representation at Friday's funeral for OPP constable Vu Pham. One constable from the Thunder Bay OPP detachment is expected to travel to Wingham to attend the afternoon service. As well two officers will be representing the Thunder Bay Police Association. They will be joining thousands of officers from across the country and the United States.  Pham died after being shot on Monday while he was on duty.

Plans for new LRCA building on hold.

It appears that the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority will not be going ahead with a new 4 million dollar building this spring after all. Chair Bill Bartley says the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund grant of one million dollars could not be guaranteed for the new office. He says the board decided it didn't want to approve the project without all the funding in place and open themselves up to future financial liability. The building was to have gone up on Fort William Road along side the Neebing McIntyre Floodway.

TBRHSC probing possible assault

Officials at the Regional Health Sciences Centre have a confusing staff and security situation to deal with. Human Resources officer Don Halpert says they recently received a report from a staff member who claims she was assaulted. While they determined it wasn't serious, police were called anyway. Halpert says they are still trying to verify the facts of the case. He adds they're reminding staff that security is available if they wish.

Pennies from Heaven back on

The United Way is back to give some worth to the lowly penny.   It's launched the 15th annual Pennies from Heaven campaign.  The goal this year is to raise 20 thousand dollars which will go towards the overall 2010 campaign objective.    As in past years there will be collection cartons sent to every home in the city.   They can be used to collect pennies,  and when full, can be dropped off at various city locations.

NOSTA President steps down

There will be a change at the top of the North of Superior Tourism Association. President Lori Paras has stepped down from her position. The move comes after months of turmoil within the organization the including infighting during the annual general meeting in December.

NWO agencies get upgrade cash

The McGuinty government has provided some northwestern Ontario social service agencies with money for repairs and upgrades. About 110 thousand dollars will be used to fund 29 projects including a new furnace and air conditioning system at the Thunder Bay branch of the Ontario March of Dimes.

Drug bust at the Thunder Bay Airport

A 22 year old Thunder Bay man is facing a trafficking charge after being arrested at the Thunder Bay Airport. He was apprehended after he recently arrived on a flight from Toronto. Police say he had a quantity of Oxycodone and Percocet pills with a street value of about 10 thousand dollars.